Eric LeGrand, Paralyzed Rutgers Football Player, Graduates

Eric LeGrand was paralyzed making a tackle for Rutgers in 2010. (credit: Getty Images)

Eric LeGrand was paralyzed making a tackle for Rutgers in 2010. (credit: Getty Images)

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Eric LeGrand refused to let a paralyzing injury keep him from earning his college degree.

As WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell reported, the former Rutgers defensive tackle, who suffered a spinal injury while making a tackle against Army in 2010, announced this week he has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in labor studies.

“It means a lot to me,” LeGrand told Haskell. “I never stopped going to school even after I got hurt.”

Eric LeGrand, Paralyzed Rutgers Football Player, Graduates

“This is my life since I got hurt,” he said of his condition. “This is what I needed to do. I adapted to it. It really wasn’t a challenge.”

He, however, admits his routine had become a grind as he focused on rehab every day and as many as four classes a semester.

Initially, doctors said LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down. He has since regained movement in his shoulders.

LeGrand is pursuing a career as a football broadcaster and is giving motivational speeches.

His message is simple: “Don’t complain about the little things that go on in life, like waiting in the Starbucks line or too much traffic out there,” he said. “Because there’s always someone out there who is in a worse situation and wish they could be in your situation.”